Vaux History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

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The name Vaux reached English shores for the first time with the ancestors of the Vaux family as they migrated following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Vaux family lived in Vaux or Vallibus, Normandy, the family's place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

Early Origins of the Vaux family

The surname Vaux was first found in Cumberland where they held a family seat in Gillesland from ancient times. They were descended from Harold de Vaux, Lord of Vaux in Normandy who came into England at the time of the Conquest accompanied by his three sons, Hubert, Rannulf, and Robert. Their main seats became the Lords of Gillesland, the Lords of Tryermayne, and in Vaux in Normandy. "From Hubert descended the Barons Vaux of Gillesland, which line terminated in an heiress, who carried the Barony of Gillesland to the family of Multon, from which it passed to that of Dacre. Ranulph, the second son, was ancestor to the Vaux's of Tryermayne, and maternally of Lord Brougham and Vaux. Robert, the third son, was the ancestor of the Lords of Harrowden." 1

Robert de Vals, de Valibus, de Vaux was listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding lands in Essex and Norfolk. 2 Robert de Wals, de Valllbus was recorded in 1134-1140 and in 1188 as holding lands in Norfolk. Ralph de Vaus was a Knights Templar in Yorkshire in 1185 and Richard de Vause was recorded in the 12th century in Leicestershire. 3

Specifically, Watton in Norfolk was an ancient home of the family. "This place is of considerable antiquity, and prior to 1204 appears to have had the grant of a market, which during that year was suspended by writ of inquiry, but was soon after restored to Oliver de Vaux, Lord of the Manor." 4

Records of the family were found in St. Ive, Cornwall. "The manor of Dinnerdake, or Dunerdake, was at a very early period in the family of Vaux, by one of whom it was forfeited about the year 1450. It was granted by Edward IV. to Avery Conburgh." 5

Early History of the Vaux family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Vaux research. Another 101 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1460, 1509, 1519, 1523, 1535, 1556, 1559, 1562, 1585, 1587, 1588, 1591, 1595, 1605, 1635, 1637, 1661, 1663 and 1969 are included under the topic Early Vaux History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Vaux Spelling Variations

Anglo-Norman names tend to be marked by an enormous number of spelling variations. This is largely due to the fact that Old and Middle English lacked any spelling rules when Norman French was introduced in the 11th century. The languages of the English courts at that time were French and Latin. These various languages mixed quite freely in the evolving social milieu. The final element of this mix is that medieval scribes spelled words according to their sounds rather than any definite rules, so a name was often spelled in as many different ways as the number of documents it appeared in. The name was spelled Vose, Voase, Vaux, Voxe, Voaux, Vokes and others.

Early Notables of the Vaux family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was


Vaux migration to the United States +

Because of the political and religious discontent in England, families began to migrate abroad in enormous numbers. Faced with persecution and starvation at home, the open frontiers and generally less oppressive social environment of the New World seemed tantalizing indeed to many English people. The trip was difficult, and not all made it unscathed, but many of those who did get to Canada and the United States made important contributions to the young nations in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers with Vaux name or one of its variants:

Vaux Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Vaux Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Vaux Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Vaux migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Vaux Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Vaux migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Vaux Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century
Vaux Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Vaux migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Vaux Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Vaux (post 1700) +
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